Kerala’s Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to bringing football icon Lionel Messi to the state, stating that the necessary approvals from the Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have been secured.

Speaking in the Assembly, Abdurahiman said, "We have obtained two key permissions regarding Messi’s visit—one from the Reserve Bank and another from the Union Sports Ministry."

While further details will be disclosed after completing the required procedures, the minister assured that the plan is progressing as expected.

Abdurahiman made these remarks during a House discussion on demands for grants.

Recently, the minister had announced that Messi and the Argentina national football team would visit Kerala for an international match to be held under the direct supervision of the state government.

He also emphasized that financial support for organizing the high-profile event would come from Kerala’s business community.

The final confirmation, he added, will be officially announced by the Argentina team’s management in due course.